CUHK enjoys great diversity in terms of its students' ethnic and religious affiliations. The University has also introduced a wide range of global cuisines on campus to cater to students with different dietary customs. Located at the Lee Wai Chun Building, a newly opened canteen provides Halal food.

The canteen specializes in donar lamb kebab, a traditional Turkish dish. 'Donar' (Turkish spelling: döner) means 'turn around' and 'kebab' refers to 'roasted meat'. This dish is made of lamb or chicken roasted on a vertical rotisserie. When the surface layer is done, it is sliced into thin, crisp shavings and put into a warmer. The sliced meat is then placed on a thin slice of pita bread, and served with lettuce, tomato and onion, and dressing. The roll is wrapped in a foil. The authentic dish recreates the flavour of the Middle East on our campus.

Halal is an Arabic word meaning 'lawful' or 'permitted'. The Halal diet is practiced by Muslims and features certain restrictions on the choice of ingredients, method of slaughtering animals and cooking methods according to the Quran. For example, pork, blood and alcohol are forbidden, and any animals that died from stranguation or being beaten are not allowed. According to the canteen staff, many restaurants may claim they provide Halal cuisine, but the canteen on campus has been issued the 'Halal Certificate' by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. This means that the whole food handling process meets the requirements of Halal food, and Muslims at CUHK can dine here worry-free.